MUMBAI, 14 SEPTEMBER, 2024 (GPN): The National Basketball Association (NBA), ACG and the Basketball Federation of India (BFI) have announced the launch of the ACG Jr. NBA program, a nationwide 3v3 tournament for the top U-14 players across India and the largest school-based basketball program in the country.  Skechers will serve as the official kit partner of the program and provide high-quality gear for the participants.

The ACG Jr. NBA program will feature boys’ and girls’ divisions with teams representing schools from across the country and flag off on 24 September, 2024 with tournaments in Chennai and Mumbai before visiting Aizawl, Delhi, Kolkata and Ludhiana. The collaboration aims to enhance youth basketball development at the local level, expand elite talent identification nationally.

The announcement was made at a press conference in Mumbai by Aadhav Arjuna, President, BFI;  Rajah Chaudhry, Strategy Head, NBA Asia and Country Head, NBA India; Alex Robertson, Chief Marketing Officer, ACG and Rahul Vira, CEO, Skechers South Asia.

Karan Singh, Managing Director, ACG said, “Through the ACG Jr. NBA program, we are taking a significant step in empowering the next generation of basketball players in India. This initiative with the NBA and BFI, goes beyond the game – it’s about building character, instilling values, and offering young athletes a platform to grow and shine.

Aadhav Arjuna, President, BFI, added, “Programs like the ACG Jr. NBA will enhance students’ skills and motivation while introducing more children to the game in a fun and interactive environment. Additionally, it will serve as a hotspot for talent identification and development and help establish a sustainable pipeline of elite-level Indian players.”

Rahul Vira, CEO, Skechers South Asia, pointed out, “As elite professionals like Joel Embiid and Julius Randle compete in Skechers Basketball sneakers in the NBA, we are excited to collaborate with the league to bring our footwear and apparel to the next generation of basketball talent.  We look forward to enhancing the game for the ACG Jr. NBA players through innovative, comfortable, and high-quality gear delivering ‘Comfort That Performs’ on the court.  Together, we aim to create a memorable program that not only inspires but also empowers young athletes to reach their full potential.”

Vira pointed out, “As elite professionals like Joel Embiid and Julius Randle compete in Skechers Basketball sneakers in the NBA, we are excited to collaborate with the league to bring our footwear and apparel to the next generation of basketball talent.”

The Jr. NBA program has reached more than 14 million youth and 15,000 physical education instructors across 35 cities in India since 2013.  The ACG Jr. NBA program is part of the NBA’s broader basketball development initiatives in India that include NBA Basketball School, a network of tuition-based basketball development programs open to male and female players ages 6-18, and Basketball Without Borders Asia, the NBA and FIBA’s global basketball development and community outreach program that has been held in India twice.

Players, coaches, and families can learn more about this year’s ACG Jr. NBA program by following the NBA’s social media channels in India across Facebook, Instagram, and X. Fans can also download the NBA App for the latest news, updates, scores, stats, schedules, videos and more.